[WORKAROUND] Type any key to crash PC --> Disable the antikeylogger in ZAX

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[WORKAROUND] Type any key to crash PC --> Disable the antikeylogger in ZAX

I've just upgraded to ZoneAlarm Extreme Security (ZAES) V 9.1.603.00 by downloading and executing ZASPSetup_91_603.00.exe. The upgrade is from ZAES V 8.0.400.020. System is XP Pro SP3, Shuttle SN95G5 with Athlon 64 CPU (3500+, 2.2GHz), 1 GB RAM. Once ZAES is started the use of any single key on the keyboard causes the PC to crash (no BSOD), just straight into immediate restart - it's as effective as pressing the reset button on the PC's chassis.

Re: Type any key to crash PC (XP SP3, ZAES 9)

This Forum exist to allow Volunteer experienced Zone Alarm Users to help the Few Users who encounter a problem with ZoneAlarm and need to be guided in the right direction..

It is Sometimes very Difficult toDiagnose and fix a Computerfrom halfway across the Country, without All the Details,without the ability to sit in front of your Computer monitor and see what's going on..

Save to desktop, right click and "run as administrator" This tool will remove all ZoneAlarm products from your system.

Please just download and run the tool, following the instructions. (you can un-install without net connections)

5.) Now Install the new update (clean) and Accept the default Setting, Auto-Learn Mode and Choose Trusted Zone, not Internet Zone..

*** NOTICE: Please note that ZAAV, ZASS and ZAXS do not play nice with many overlapping security tools (even if disabled).

To troubleshoot ZAAV, ZASS/ZAXS issues removethe other Security programs and (if you can't live without the other Security programs - Not Recomended) - Only re-install them once you see that ZA works as it should.

*** For example, the Following programs may not work well with ZoneAlarm, Kaspersky (KAV) or (KISS),Norton/Symantec, McAfee,AVG, Spyspweeper, NOD32, Spyware Doctor, trojan hunter, adware, SpyBotSearch & Destroy, PC tools Threat Fire, any other Anti-virus, some Anti-spyware, Registry Guard or locking tools, etc...

Re: Type any key to crash PC (XP SP3, ZAES 9)

To make sure, I've just uninstalled ZAES V 8.0.400.020 then run cpes_clean.exe then rebooted then run ZASPSetup_91_603.00.exe and once the mandatory restart as part of the install is done verified "type any key to crash PC" has persisted (which it has).

A little bit of further experimentation .... configure to not automatically load ZA and then reboot. Using sysinternals check what's loaded: ISWSVC.EXE is loaded at boot time. Can type on the keyboard just fine. Click ZA desktop icon and launch ZA. Type on the keyboard throughout and towards the end of the loading and setting up (as seen in sysinternals) the "type any key to crash PC" feature gets enabled! Processes loaded in system space vsmon.exe and ISWSVC.EXE. Processes in user space zclient.exe, mantispm.exe, ForceField.exe.

A further bit of experimentation: Restart. Load ZA by clicking desktop icon. Keep clear of the keyboard. Once all loaded, use right-click in system tray on ZA icon and select "Shutdown ZoneAlarm Extreme Security". With sysinternals verify all stopped (except ISWSVC.EXE which can't be killed or even stopped via Services manager). Type any key on the keyboard and .... poof .... crash. The feature has persisted beyond the execution of ZA.

Re: Type any key to crash PC (XP SP3, ZAES 9)

Well this is being entered with ZAES 9.1.603.000 loaded and running having followed your suggestion to go to Browser Security (Main)/Settings/Anti-keylogger and uncheck "Block programs that secretly record your keystrokes".

Plainly that was the problem and plainly I'm not protected from key-logging either!

However, fax, many thanks for your suggestions. I'll go and have a moan at ZA about this. Any suggestions for the best and most constructive way of reporting this to them?

Re: Type any key to crash PC (XP SP3, ZAES 9)

Hi!
At least we have narrowed it down to the antikeylog feature in forcefield.

I would still try to find the most recent drivers for your keyboard. Its an old model.... so .... may be this is why ZA has problems. I think (I assume no responsibility) that you can update it with the most recent software: ftp://ftp.logitech.com/pub/techsuppo...etpoint610.exe
But I have no Logitech keyboard, so I am just guessing. You may want to check with logitech support.

Ideally you should try to change the keyboard with a normal one to see if it is really the keyboard. This means removing logitech drivers and software and plug the other keyboard. But if you can't then just skip to the nexy point

Next chat with ZA technical support (link in my signature). Explain the problem with your keyboard and ZAES forcefield antikeylogging drivers.

A new ZAES version is anyway in the works, so may be in some weeks you could try the latest beta and report directly to ZA development team.